Modern or Still Traditional Storytelling?

Abstract

Since the late 1960s there has been discernible in many countries around the globe a 'new' wave of(often professional) storytelling, one which has both attracted strong approval and a degree of qualification or folkloric criticism, not unlike that earlier displayed reserve, in which 'pure' folkloristic scholars would regard new/seemingly contrived customs as akin to fakelore/folklorismus. This apparent dilemma is neatly encapsulated in the first and last paragraphs of a short article by Kay Stone on the 'new'/distinctive movement in a recent standard source and it is now quoted: "Modern storytelling, often called professional storytelling, is a consciously developed art in which trained tellers perform before audiences of children and adults." (p.621) and continuing: "This newer form of storytelling, centring on adult-oriented concerts and festivals, is popularly called 'the storytelling revival' ... Tellers often perform recitations of original literary works written for children or adults. There are also small theatrical groups that offer dramatic productions of folktales. Folklorists have tended to fault such storytelling as unauthentic because it does not arise from a specific oral tradition. However, modern storytelling can be seen in a more creative light, as an oral art form in its own right." (p.623).